These pictures reveal how a new £7 million hospice is shaping up to become one of the best in the UK.

With 24 bedrooms with views over a tranquil garden and state-of-the-art facilities, the Marie Curie site in Solihull will aim to provide comfortable end-of-life care for patients.

The doors will open on January 12, and as well as offering complementary therapies, like acupuncture, massages and reiki, there will also be a hairdressing salon and an area where residents will be able to grow their own produce and plants.

Tours of the development are being held before it officially opens so that healthcare staff can see the facilities.

Volunteer Jeanne Moss, who has worked for Marie Curie for six years, said: “When the hospice opens it will be one of the best in the UK.

“There will be more than 200 volunteers and it won’t be just for cancer patients, but for those with motor neurone conditions and other illnesses.

“All the facilities and the clinics will be under one roof and there will be a hub of palliative care.

Visitors and patients will enter an open-plan reception area and be greeted by colourful pieces of sculpture representing the four seasons. The artwork was funded by a separate grant.

A food area, housing a cafe and bistro with seating is to one side, while access to the rooms is behind the reception.

The accommodation is split into three wings, which are each colour coded to avoid confusion.

The rooms each boast flat screen TVs featuring a channel with a camera linked to the wildlife area so residents can see greenery from the comfort of their own beds.

Doors lead out to a patio area looking out onto the garden, which has a fountain.

As well as having their own ensuite, patients will be able to use an assisted bathroom, where they can enjoy a Jacuzzi, whirlpool or jet bath.

Jeanne, aged 66, said: “There will be a hoist so that they will be lowered safely into the bath. Each wing will have this facility which can also be used by day centre patients.”

Those attending the hospice for just a few hours will also be able to see doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.

They will also have access to the gardens and greenhouse as well as computers.

The hospice was funded through the Big Build Appeal to replace the old site, also in Solihull, which had been in use for 45 years.

Thousands of people donated to the cause by carrying out fundraising events.

So far £3.5 million has been raised but another £4.5 million is needed to hit the target.

Big Build capital appeal director Noel Cramer said: “The building is amazing and everyone who has seen it is hugely impressed with the space.

“We can now really picture what it will be like when our first patients arrive next year once the finishing touches are all complete and the new hospice is fully equipped and furnished.

“The fundraising appeal will continue until we have raised the last bit of the £7 million fundraising target we started with.”

More volunteers are also needed, including hairdressers who may be able to give up around two hours a week.

Bosses also urged people to help furnish bedrooms by donating to a fund.

A gift of just £1 will buy a flannel for a patient, while £10 will buy a towel and £20 will buy a blanket or other bedding.

Those who donate £45 will help provide medical equipment such as an oxygen wall point, which can be used to help patients who have difficulty breathing.

A spokeswoman said: “All contributions, both large and small, will play a very important part in buying everything needed to provide care in the hospice for terminally-ill patients and support for their families.

“A donation of £300 could buy furniture – perhaps a sofa to give families a more comfortable and relaxing time when with their loved ones at the hospice.

“Or £650 could help provide outside furniture, benches and tables, for the garden.”

Permission was finally given to build the development after charity chiefs overcame protests about the loss of green belt land to the scheme.

For more information about the different parcels of care, log on to www.mariecurie.org.uk/bigbuild or call 0121 254 7848.